NFL Rumors: Key Insight On Potential Patriots Draft Pick

Patriots fans are mixed on Will Campbell, but evaluators aren’t so divided on the LSU product.

Campbell seems to be the “heavy favorite” to land in New England with the fourth overall pick. Head coach Mike Vrabel praised the offensive tackle prospect, who could fill a huge need at left tackle.

The hold-up for fans is Campbell’s arm length, which measured shorter than an average offensive lineman. The 21-year-old clapped back at his critics, and people in the NFL seem to be in lockstep with him.

“The number of evaluators who are unbothered by Will Campbell’s arm length really stands out to me,” ESPN’s Field Yates wrote Friday. “I was hard pressed to find an exec or coach who doesn’t view LSU’s Campbell as the best tackle of this class, and those same people told me his length wasn’t a concern on tape. I’m not ignoring his 32⅝-inch arm length from the combine, but most people I talked to are bullish on Campbell becoming a really good left tackle. He has excellent footwork, balance and body control to hold up as a pass protector.”

Many of the top draft analysts agree with Yates’ assessment that Campbell is the best offensive tackle in the class. There is a case that the Patriots could draft Armand Membou. However, Campbell was the popular choice for analysts two weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Fans still might bemoan the Patriots if they draft Campbell despite Vrabel’s and analysts’ high view of the prospect. He’ll have to prove them wrong if he does end up being the man to protect Drake Maye’s blindside.